Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
for general use on the Internet and via web interface, "Private Cloud" composed of
cloud services provided for a certain body or institution, "Hybrid Cloud” generating
public and private cloud services together, and "Community Cloud" provided for a
specific community or group. Cloud computing service providers use software,
platform and infrastructure service models, individually or in combination, in
providing cloud service. In this study, terms of service of free cloud service providers
that are globally outstanding in terms of widespread use of their e-mail and data
storage services (such as Google, Microsoft and Yahoo) [3] are evaluated.
2
Cloud Computing: Problems and Risks
It is possible to access information anywhere with any kind of communication device
(PC, Mac, iPhone, Android or BlackBerry) thanks to cloud computing. Cloud
computing brings advantages to the user right from the outset: It does not present
hardware problems; it provides better accessibility because virtual computers operate
faster than physical servers, and also presents a flexible structure that does not require
memory and disk change. Given the advantages, it would seem unreasonable to avoid
cloud computing and insist on adopting alternative computing models. However, risks
of cloud computing are highly important to the extent that they cannot be ignored.
Terms of service are prepared for the benefit of the service provider only as they are
not based on any legal regulation [4]. Main issues of concern that arise from cloud
computing include:
•
Web-based cloud services are designed to operate on broadband Internet.
Therefore, downloading and uploading speed of the Internet connection is
considerably important for using cloud services. About 43.2% of residences
have broadband Internet access in Turkey [5]. Although Internet use and
broadband Internet access are on the rise in Turkey, it can be safely said
that, compared to EU countries, there still exists a considerable gap in this
regard [6].
•
There are also risks regarding protecting the privacy of user passwords and
personal information at locations where users can have connection without
even using a password (such as cafe, restaurant, bus etc.). As in all services
based on Internet technology, there are vulnerabilities of cloud computing
services against typical Internet attacks (such as electronic surveillance,
unauthorized access, data modification etc.) [7].
•
Details regarding the location of data are among the important issues that
should be covered by the agreement signed between the user and the cloud
computing services provider, and this could be useful in helping settle legal
disputes in numerous countries, including Turkey. Nonetheless, many
service providers offering free cloud service do not present the users the
option of amendment on the agreement. It is clearly stated in the online
privacy statement of such cloud service providers that personal information
of the user can be stored and processed anywhere in the world (see, for
example, Microsoft Online Privacy Statement) [8].
•
Turkey does not have a binding regulation with regard to standards to be
met in order to provide cloud computing service. Thus, an environment
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